Coccidia

Transmission

Coccidia (Isospora sp.) is a protozoa (one-celled organism) that can multiply rapidly and is found in areas contaminated with feces. They are ingested when a pet licks objects contaminated with feces, including themselves. Less common coccidia species can be contracted when a dog or cat eats rodent tissue or feces.

Infection

Puppies and kittens age four to twelve weeks are more prone to Coccidia due to their undeveloped immune system and many contract it from their mother.

It is transferred by direct contact with infected feces.

Symptoms

Diarrhea, with possible blood and mucous
Dehydration
Weight loss
Anorexia
Loss of appetite

Treatment

All forms of coccidia can be treated with oral medications. We recommend testing fecals every six months in adults. Strict hygiene is critical to prevent re-infection.

Here are some easy steps to maintain proper hygiene and lessen the chance of re-infestation:

Pick up your dog or cats stool so that the parasites do not have time to get into the soil or living area. Dogs and cats can re-infect themselves if they come into contact with their own feces.
Clean food dishes daily to prevent contamination.
Cats should have paper in their litter box for easy cleaning; boxes should be emptied daily and bleached with 10% solution.
Clean cats feet twice daily if possible as well, if fecal material gets on cats’ feet grooming will cause re-infestation.
Confine the infected pet to a small room such as a bathroom to prevent transmission to other household pets.

**Wash bedding and fabric toys with bleach detergent and bathe your pet at beginning of the treatment for Coccidia.

Zoonotic

It is possible for humans to contract Coccidia from their pet, though it is usually from the more rare strains such as Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidia.

The best way to prevent human transmission is to keep the environment clean and wash hands thoroughly after contact with pet and before eating.

+ Immunizations/Vaccinations